Hammer robber's face seen on store camera

Police have released security camera footage of the man they believe robbed the Racecourse Takeaways with a hammer last week.

The offender entered the fast food outlet on Gascoigne St, Hastings just before 8pm on Wednesday and threatened the owner, demanding money from the till, before making off with a small amount of cash.

No one was injured during the incident. The male suspect is dark-skinned, solidly built, between 1.78m and 1.83m tall (5ft 10in - 6ft) and aged in his 20s.

Racecourse Takeaways suffered an aggravated robbery in August 2012, however, police don't believe the two crimes are linked.

Police have posted the images on their Facebook page and anyone who can identify the suspect should contact Hawke's Bay Police on (06) 8310700 and direct the information to Detective Constable David Ley.